IPSF Youth Coaching Qualification

EPIC Youth Pole Sports Coach
In response to the increased popularity of pole sports the International Pole Sports Federations has launched the first of many training programmes. The EPIC Youth Pole Sports Coach focuses on the safe, effective teaching of the technical aspects of pole sports for both the recreational participant and the youth athletes of the future.

This course is the only education programme endorsed by the international governing body of Pole Sports and recognised worldwide as the authority on training children from 5-17. This qualification covers safeguarding children in sports in conjunction with the NSPCC child protection charity and is the future of all Pole Sports training.

Education

Becoming a Pole Sports coach is not easy. The discipline presents one of the most complete physical activities in the world, and if practiced or taught incorrectly can be extremely dangerous. Passing an EPIC qualification is to have achieved a level of physical and mental excellence both as a coach and as a practitioner. This is not something that can be assessed in one single examination or even several hours. The EPIC qualification assessments comprise of a physical test, a technical test, and an observed teaching test. A candidate is required to log at least ten hours of supervised coaching. Only upon completing all sections of the assessment can the candidate achieve an EPIC qualification and become a certified coach.

Pre Requsites to become an EPIC Youth Coach?

The EPIC qualifications are the standard qualifications an individual must achieve before being capable of teaching Pole Sports either in a group format or on a one-to-one basis.

An EPIC coach has to be competent and technically sound in all aspects of pole. He or she must also be have a thorough knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, be capable of ensuring a thorough warm-up takes place in preparation for a training session and must possess the knowledge and understanding of how to develop the attributes required of an EPIC Coach.

An EPIC coach must also understand the importance of good nutrition and positive health for sustained training.

The EPIC coach must be a capable and committed educator; approachable and helpful to all and polite and attentive to the students at all times.

New EPIC coaches will be quality-controlled by the IPSF and/or national governing bodies and must attend Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.

EPIC Coaches may be visited during any sessions to be assessed on the quality and consistency of their coaching.

In summary, an EPIC coach is expected to have sound knowledge of:

• Technique
• Physical conditioning exercises
• Coaching and communication skills
• Competition training
• Child Protection and Safeguarding
• Warm-up & cool-down before and after training
• Basic anatomy and physiology
• What constitutes a healthy diet
• Injury prevention and management
• First Aid

You will need the following to take the courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• 2-5 years as a practitioner
• First Aid
• Accredited pole certification predating July 2014

You may take the course if you do not have the above criteria, however you will need complete the criteria in order to receive your Youth Coaching Certificate.

EPIC Session Standards

All coaches must adhere to and fulfil the EPIC standards when running any session. All classes must be geared towards the students and as engaging and enjoyable for them as possible.

The minimum EPIC session standards are laid out below:

Session Structure

Each session should consist of a warm-up, a cool-down, and adequate training content for the level of experience of the participants. Health and safety guidelines must be always be strictly followed whilst teaching best practice at all times. All students must be included in the exercises.

Risk Assessments

Coaches must carry out risk assessments prior to every session or course of sessions and must maintain a constant level of dynamic risk management during the session.

Child Protection

Coaches must understand and implement all measures outlined in the EPIC Programme’s Child Protection Policy. This includes possessing a valid DBS check and obtaining parental consent if necessary.

Becoming an Instructor

To be awarded an EPIC Qualification and become a certified coach the following process must be undergone:

Contact us and register your application

Once you are confident that you meet the experience and skill requirements for an EPIC qualification you should contact us and register your interest in becoming a Pole Sports coach. We will let you know when the next available Assessment Course is and send you the necessary information and materials to book yourself a place on such a course. To attend the Level 2 Full Coach course it is recommended a practitioner has at least 2-5 years of regular training in Pole and be physically fit for Pole Sports.

Complete the Prerequisites

Before being able to pass any of the EPIC qualifications a candidate must possess an up-to-date First Aid certificate. You must also complete home study videos, tests and session plans.

Take the Assessment

An Assessment Course is the only way to receive an EPIC qualification. The assessments are rigorous and physically demanding. Upon completion the course assessors will tell you whether you have passed or, failing that, been deferred. If you are deferred you will be able to retake the assessment within 3 months once you have worked adequately on improving those areas which were not up to standard. Failing the re-assessment means you must attend another certification course.

Dates and Locations
16/17th May - 9.30 - 4.30pm - Portsmouth - £399
Moods 30 East Street Havant Hampshire PO9 1AQ

January - 9.30 - 4.30pm - Poland - £399

Booking
Please complete the application form below and pay using the link below. Please email copies of your pre-requisite prior training to info@epic-training.com